Kalimpong district

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the district. For its eponymous headquarters, see Kalimpong.
Kalimpong District
District of West Bengal
View from Rishap
View from Rishap
Location of Kalimpong District in West Bengal
Location of Kalimpong District in West Bengal
Country India
State West Bengal
DivisionJalpaiguri
HeadquartersKalimpong
Government
 • Lok Sabha constituenciesDarjeeling (shared with Darjeeling district)
 • Vidhan Sabha constituenciesKalimpong
Area
 • Total1,053.60 km2 (406.80 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Total251,642
 • Density240/km2 (620/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+05:30 (IST)
Websitekalimpongdistrict.in
Blue orchid form Kalimpong

Kalimpong district is a district in the state of West Bengal, India. Originally known as Dalingkot,[a] the region was alternatively under the control of Sikkim and Bhutan. In 1865, it was annexed from Bhutan by British India under the Treaty of Sinchula, and administered as a subdivision of the Darjeeling district from 1916 onwards.[2] In 2017, under the Republic of India, it was carved out as a separate district to become the 21st district of West Bengal.[3][4]

The district is headquartered at Kalimpong, which grew to prominence as a market town for Indo-Tibetan trade during the British period. It is bounded by Sikkim in the north, Bhutan in the east, Darjeeling district in the west, and Jalpaiguri district in the south. The district consists of the Kalimpong Municipality and three community development blocks: Kalimpong I, Kalimpong II and Gorubathan.

Area[]

Apart from the Kalimpong municipality that consists of 23 wards, the district contains rural areas of 42 gram panchayats under three community development blocks: Kalimpong I, Kalimpong II, and Gorubathan.[5]

Kalimpong district has an area of 1,053.60 km2 (406.80 sq mi), with Kalimpong I block having an area of 360.46 km2 (139.17 sq mi); Kalimpong II block an area of 241.26 km2 (93.15 sq mi); Gorubathan block an area of 442.72 km2 (170.94 sq mi); and Kalimpong Municipality an area of 9.16 km2 (3.54 sq mi).[1]

History[]

Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel, Dr. Graham's Homes
The Clock Tower of Kalimpong.

Until the mid-19th century, the area around Kalimpong was ruled in succession by the Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms.[6][7] It was controlled through two hill forts in the region, at Damsang[b] and Daling[c] (or Dalingkot, meaning "Daling fort"). The region itself seems to have been referred to as Dalingkot.[8] In 1718, the Kingdom of Bhutan annexed this territory, and ruled it for the next 150 years.[9] The area was sparsely populated by the indigenous Lepcha community and migrant Bhutia, Limbu and Kirati tribes.

After the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula (1865) was signed, in which certain hill territory to east of the Teesta River was ceded to the British East India Company.[6] The precise territory was unspecified but included the fort of Dalingkot. In 1866–1867 an Anglo-Bhutanese commission demarcated the area, and set the Di Chu and Ni Chu rivers as the eastern boundary.[10][11]

The ceded territory was added to the Western Duars district at first, and later transferred to the Darjeeling district in 1866.[2] It was referred to as the "tract of Dalingkot" or "tract of Damsang", after the hill forts through it had been administered in the past.[11][12] At that time, Kalimpong was a small hamlet, with only two or three families known to reside there.[13] However the neighbourhood of Kalimpong was well-populated with several villages, as recorded by Ashley Eden during a mission to Bhutan in 1864. Eden mentioned that the people there were well-disposed to the British administration and had frequently traded with the Darjeeling area to the west of Tista in defiance of the Bhutanese authorities.[14]

The temperate climate prompted the British to develop the town as an alternative hill station to Darjeeling, to escape the scorching summer heat in the plains. Kalimpong's proximity to the Nathu La and Jelep La passes (La means "pass") for trading with Tibet was an added advantage. It soon became an important trading outpost in the trade of furs, wools and food grains between India and Tibet.[15] The increase in commerce attracted large numbers of Nepali's from the neighbouring Nepal and the lower regions of Sikkim, the areas where, Nepalis were residing since the Gorkha invasion of Sikkim in 1790. The movement of people into the area, transformed Kalimpong from a small hamlet with a few houses, to a thriving town with increased economic prosperity. Britain assigned a plot within Kalimpong to the influential Bhutanese Dorji family, through which trade and relations with Bhutan flowed. This later became the Bhutan House, a Bhutanese administrative and cultural centre.[16][17][18]

The arrival of Scottish missionaries saw the construction of schools and welfare centres for the British.[13] Rev. W. Macfarlane in the early 1870s established the first schools in the area.[13] The Scottish University Mission Institution was opened in 1886, followed by the Kalimpong Girls High School. In 1900, Reverend J.A. Graham founded the Dr. Graham's Homes for destitute Anglo-Indian students.[13] The young missionary (and aspiring writer and poet) Aeneas Francon Williams, aged 24, arrived in Kalimpong in 1910 to take up the post of assistant schoolmaster at Dr. Graham's Homes,[19] where he later became Bursar and remained working at the school for the next fourteen years.[20] From 1907 onwards, most schools in Kalimpong had started offering education to Indian students. By 1911, the population comprised many ethnic groups, including Nepalis, Lepchas, Tibetans, Muslims, the Anglo-Indian communities. Hence by 1911, the population had swollen to 7,880.[13]

Following Indian independence in 1947, Kalimpong became part of the state of West Bengal, after Bengal was partitioned between India and East Pakistan. With China's annexation of Tibet in 1959, many Buddhist monks fled Tibet and established monasteries in Kalimpong. These monks brought many rare Buddhist scriptures with them. In 1962, the permanent closure of the Jelep Pass after the Sino-Indian War disrupted trade between Tibet and India, and led to a slowdown in Kalimpong's economy. In 1976, the visiting Dalai Lama consecrated the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery, which houses many of the scriptures.[13]

Most large houses in Kalimpong were built during the British era. In the background is Kangchenjunga.
Morgan House is a classic example of colonial architecture in Kalimpong.

Between 1986 and 1988, the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland and Kamtapur based on ethnic lines grew strong. Riots between the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the West Bengal government reached a stand-off after a forty-day strike. The town was virtually under siege, and the state government called in the Indian army to maintain law and order. This led to the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, a body that was given semi-autonomous powers to govern the Darjeeling district, except the area under the Siliguri subdivision. Since 2007, the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state has been revived by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and its supporters in the Darjeeling hills.[21] The Kamtapur People's Party and its supporters' movement for a separate Kamtapur state covering North Bengal have gained momentum.[22]

Blocks[]

Kalimpong I block[]

The Kalimpong I block consists of 18 gram panchayats; Bong, Kalimpong, Samalbong, Tista, Dr. Graham's Homes, Lower Echhay, Samthar, Neembong, Dungra, Upper Echhay, Seokbir, Bhalukhop, Yangmakum, Pabringtar, Sindebong, Kafer Kanke Bong, Pudung and Tashiding.[5] This block has one police station at Kalimpong.[23] The block is headquartered in Kalimpong.[24]

Kalimpong II block[]

The Kalimpong II block consists of 13 gram panchayats, namely Dalapchand, Kashyong, Lolay, Lingseykha, Gitdabling, Lava-Gitbeong, Payong, Kagay, Lingse, Shangse, Pedong, Syakiyong and Shantook.[5] This block is served by Kalimpong police station.[23] The block is headquartered in Algarah.[24]

Gorubathan block[]

The Gorubathan block consists of 11 gram panchayats, namely Dalim, Gorubathan–I, Gorubathan–II, Patengodak, Todey Tangta, Kumai, Pokhreybong, Samsing, Aahaley, Nim and Rongo.[5] This block has two police stations: Gorubathan and Jaldhaka.[23] The block is headquartered in Fagu.[24]

Legislative segments[]

As per order of the Delimitation Commission in respect of the delimitation of constituencies in West Bengal, the whole area under the district of Kalimpong (formerly Kalimpong subdivision), namely the Kalimpong municipality and the three blocks of Kalimpong–I, Kalimpong–II and Gorubathan together constitutes the Kalimpong assembly constituency of West Bengal. This constituency is part of Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency. Darjeeling is represented by Neeraj Zimba of the Bharatiya Janata Party, while Kalimpong Assembly constituency is represented by Ruden Sada Lepcha of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (Tamang faction).[25]

Demographics[]

According to the 2011 census, Kalimpong district (enumerated as Kalimpong subdivision then) has a population of 251,642. Kalimpong I block had a population of 74,746; Kalimpong II block had a population of 66,830; Gorubathan block had a population of 60,663; and Kalimpong Municipality had a population of 49,403. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 16,433 and 74,976 making up 6.53% and 29.79% of the population respectively.[1]

According to the 2011 census, Hindus numbered 153,355 and formed 60.94% of the population. Buddhists numbered 52,688 and formed 20.94% of the population. Christians numbered 37,453 and formed 14.88% of the population. Muslims numbered 3,998 and formed 1.59% of the population. Others numbered 4,148 and formed 1.65% of the population.

Languages of Kalimpong district (2011)

  Nepali (87.61%)
  Hindi (3.18%)
  Lepcha (2.67%)
  Bhojpuri (1.16%)
  Others (5.38%)

Kalimpong district including 1 and 2 have a population of 251,642 as per 2011 census report. The majority of the population today in Kalimpong district are the Gorkhas, while a significant minority are tribals who have stopped speaking their native languages. According to the 2011 census, 87.61% of the population speaks Nepali, 3.18% Hindi, 2.67% Lepcha and 1.16% Bhojpuri as their first language.[26]

Religion in Kalimpong district (2011)[27]
Hinduism
 
 60.94%
Buddhism
 
 20.94%
Christianity
 
 14.88%
Islam
 
 1.59%
Others
 
 1.65%

Flora and fauna[]

Red Panda at Neora Valley National Park

Kalimpong district is home to the Neora Valley National Park, which has an area of 159.89 km2 (61.73 sq mi).[28] Mammals reported from this area are Indian leopard, five viverrid species, Asiatic black bear, sloth bear, Asian golden cat, wild boar, leopard cat, goral, serow, barking deer, sambar deer, flying squirrel, tahr, red panda and clouded leopard.[29]

Transport[]

Roadways[]

National Highways



Railway[]

Kalimpong district has railway line in Coronation Bridge - Sevoke Railway Bridge - Mongpong area which falls under New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar-Samuktala Line. The currently functioning nearest railway station from Kalimpong district is Sivok railway station of Darjeeling district and Bagrakote Railway Station of Jalpaiguri district. The nearest major railway stations are Malbazar Junction, Siliguri Junction and New Jalpaiguri railway station.

The under construction Sevoke - Rangpo railway line lies in Kalimpong district from Kalijhora to

Airways[]

Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport from southern parts of Kalimpong district, and Pakyong Airport is the nearest airport from northern areas of Kalimpong district.

Rivers[]

The major rivers flowing through Kalimpong district are River Teesta, River Jaldhaka and River Rangpo. Other rivers are Relli Khola, Riyang Khola,Murti Khola, Reshi Khola, Chel Khola, River Ghish, Bindu Khola, Les Khola, Neora Khola etc.

Notes[]

  1. ^ Also spelt Dalingkote and Dalimkot.
  2. ^ Alternative spellings include "Damsung", "Damsong", "Dumsong", "Dhumsong" etc.
  3. ^ Also called "Dalim". Variant spellings include "Dhalim" and "Dhaling".

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Darjiling District Census Handbook, Part B (PDF), Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal, 2011
  2. ^ a b Roy, Survey and Settlement of the Western Duars (2013), pp. 6, 41.
  3. ^ "Carved out of Darjeeling, Kalimpong a district today". Times of India. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  4. ^ "Kalimpong district may stoke Gorkhaland fire". Hindustan Times. 13 February 2017.
  5. ^ a b c d "Directory of District, Sub division, Panchayat Samiti/ Block and Gram Panchayats in West Bengal, March 2008". Government of West Bengal. 19 March 2008. Archived from the original on 25 February 2009.
  6. ^ a b "History of Kalimpong". Darjeeling News Service. Archived from the original on 5 February 2007. Retrieved 17 February 2007.
  7. ^ Gurung, Chanda; Gurung, Nawraj (2006). "The Social and Gendered Nature of Ginger Production and Commercialization". In Ronnie Vernooy (ed.). Social and Gender Analysis in Natural Resource Management. International Development Research Centre (Canada), NetLibrary, Inc. pp. 39–43. ISBN 1-55250-218-X.
  8. ^ Sengupta, Somen (3 September 2006). "Next weekend you can be at ... Kalimpong". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011.
  9. ^ Subba, J. R. (2008), History, Culture and Customs of Sikkim, Gyan Publishing House, p. 50, ISBN 9788121209649
  10. ^ Samanta, Gorkhaland Movement (2000), p. 43
  11. ^ a b Hunter, W. W. (1876), A Statistical Account Of Bengal, Vol. X: Districts of Darjiling and Jalpaiguri, State of Kuch Behar, London: Trubner & Co, p. 19 – via archive.org: "In August 1866, by a Government Resolution, the hilly tract situated east of the Tista, west of the Ne-chu and De-chu rivers, and south of Independent Sikkim, being part of the territory acquired as the result of the Bhutan campaign of 1864, was added to the jurisdiction of Darjiling, and now forms the tract known as Damsang or Dalingkot."
  12. ^ Roy, Survey and Settlement of the Western Duars (2013), p. 6: "... the Dalingkot tahsil, which includes the mountainous part of the annexed territory."
  13. ^ a b c d e f Banerjee, Partha S (19 May 2002). "A quiet hill retreat, far from the tourist crowd". Spectrum, The Tribune.
  14. ^ Rennie, Bhotan and the Dooar War (1866), pp. 64–66.
  15. ^ Khawas, Vimal (31 December 2004). "The Forgotten Way: Recalling the road to Lhasa from Kalimpong". The Statesman. The Statesman Ltd.
  16. ^ Hilker, Deb Shova Kansakar (2005). Syamukapu: The Lhasa Newars of Kalimpong and Kathmandu. Vajra Publications. ISBN 99946-644-6-8. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  17. ^ Arts of Asia. Vol. 17. Arts of Asia Publications. 1987. p. 107. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  18. ^ Tsarong, Dundul Namgyal; Chödron, Ani K. Trinlay (2000). Ani K. Trinlay Chödron (ed.). In the service of his country: the biography of Dasang Damdul Tsarong, commander general of Tibet. Snow Lion Publications. p. 35. ISBN 1-55939-151-0. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  19. ^ Correspondence from Aeneas Francon Williams addressed from Wolseley House, Kalimpong, is stored in the Dr. Graham Kalimpong Archive held at the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
  20. ^ Marriage Certificate for Aeneas Francon Williams and Clara Anne Rendall, 2 December 1914: Findmypast.co.uk – Williams rank of profession is registered as ‘Assistant School Master.’
  21. ^ "Call for Gorkhaland renewed". Darjeeling Times. 7 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 December 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2009.
  22. ^ Press Trust of India (PTI) (29 December 2009). "Now, demand for a separate Kamtapur state in WBengal". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 June 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
  23. ^ a b c "District Profile". Official website of Darjeeling district. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  24. ^ a b c "Contact details of Block Development Officers". Darjeeling district. Panchayats and Rural Development Department, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 26 December 2008.[permanent dead link]
  25. ^ "Press Note, Delimitation Commission" (PDF). Assembly Constituencies in West Bengal. Delimitation Commission. pp. 5, 23. Retrieved 10 January 2009.
  26. ^ 2011 Census of India, Population By Mother Tongue Based on block-level data for Kalimpong I, II, Gorubuthan and Kalimpong Municipality
  27. ^ "C-1 Population By Religious Community". Census. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  28. ^ "National Parks". ENVIS Centre on Wildlife & Protected Areas. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  29. ^ [1], IBAs in West Bengal – Page 20.
  30. ^ Aishik Chanda, Doklam effect: Sikkim to get new all-weather highway, The New Indian Express, 28 May 2018.
  31. ^ Sivok-Rangpo railway: Soon, travel from Bengal to Sikkim in 2 hrs, EastMojo, 21 September 2019.

Bibliography[]

External links[]


Retrieved from ""